Indians Prospect Insider

On Monday there was one of the more interesting and shocking signings to the IBI's Jeff Ellis so far this offseason. The Pirates were announced as the team with the winning bid for Korean shortstop Jung-Ho Kang, and considering that Kang may in the end cost a total of $20-25 million over four seasons, Jeff thinks the Pirates got a steal.

With the Dominican Winter League and Venezuela Winter League both off it made for a rather light night Around the Farm in the Indians organization on Tuesday. The IBI's Arthur Kinney recaps what little action there was in the organization and send his own personal Christmas message to IBI readers.

As teams begin to close up shop for the Christmas holiday there was still some news to be made on Tuesday as waiver moves dominated the league. One particular waiver related news item involved lefty Nick Maronde who cleared waivers. The IBI's Tony Lastoria shares the details on that along with a flurry of signings throughout the league...

The Indians added Gavin Floyd to the rotation last week which means the Indians will have a strong competition for the fifth and final spot in the rotation this spring. One of those candidates is Danny Salazar who looks like a favorite going in for the final spot, but the IBI's Tony Lastoria wonders if the Indians might consider trading him at some point or change his role to the bullpen if his consistency and health issues persist. Tony also notes how David Murphy may not be dealt this offseason, notes an injury to Jesus Aguilar which has ended his winter season and more.

With Christmas just two days away the action in winter ball was quiet on Monday as just two players in the Indians organization were active in Puerto Rico. The IBI's Tony Lastoria notes how Bryson Myles is off to a good start in his late winter ball showing and how Giovanni Soto continues to impress in the starting rotation.

With the holidays upon us, wishing you and yours a very happy and warm holiday season! In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andrew Zajac will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on the Twins extending Phil Hughes, the Pirates earning the winning bid on Jung-ho Kang, MLB umpires reach a new labor agreement, and more.

There are a lot of new age stats in the game of baseball. With the way advanced metrics have really found their way into the game over the last 20 years, there are a lot of different ways to analyze player value and performance. One new way is through WAR, which the IBI's Jeff Ellis gives us a brief crash course on what it is and why it is such a good stat.

Wow, it was a very busy night in winter ball as many players were in action in Venezuela, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. With the Dominican Winter League regular season ending on Sunday several young players got a chance to play, and the IBI's Tony Lastoria recaps all of the action from a busy Sunday.

With Christmas fast approaching the news around Major League Baseball is quickly starting to slow down. The news should continue to dwindle leading into the holiday, but there is still some noteworthy news around the league. The IBI's Tony Lastoria notes that Wil Myers has been discussed in a Cole Hamels trade and much more...

The WAR Room is back again, bringing you the 2014 advanced stats for every Cleveland minor leaguer. With the minor league seasons at an end and the seasons in review finished, The WAR Room moves to ranking the top-100 prospects in 2014 based on performance. But instead of just listing based on pure performance, there is a twist to make the rankings more relevant. Join Jim Piascik as he brings you part three, including a bunch of 2014 draft picks in Arizona and Mahoning Valley, Jerrud Sabourin and Bryson Myles’ Double-A debuts, and much more as he takes you into The WAR Room.

Indians outfield prospect Anthony Gallas is red hot out in Venezuela. After a very cold start his bat has heated up and he is raking over the past week. The IBI's Arthur Kinney notes his impressive showing, the winter ball debut of a noted Indians prospect, and much more.

Since the acquisition of Brandon Moss almost two weeks ago there has been a lot of speculation as to what player the Indians will move off the roster to make room for him and what team that player may go to. With the Giants announcing they have a need for a left fielder and looking to acquire one at a low cost via trade, perhaps there is a match with the Indians for Murphy. The IBI's Tony Lastoria provides the news on that and more...

The 13-year anniversary of the Roberto Alomar trade passed earlier this month. In what seems like a lifetime ago, it is amazing that it has now been 13 years since that trade was consummated on December 11, 2001. It is a trade that signaled a dramatic change in the direction of the franchise and was the opening salvo for what has since become a 13-year war between the fans and ownership on the true intentions of that new direction. The IBI's Tony Lastoria reminisces...

Around the Farm (ATF) takes a quick look at the performances by Indians prospects throughout the system each day. In this special winter ball version of ATF the IBI's Arthur Kinney recaps all the offseason action by Indians players in Caribbean Leagues on Friday night noting the big night from Anthony Gallas and more...

Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andrew Zajac will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on the Padres stockpiling bats, the Giants finding a third baseman, the Yankees making a trade, and more.

The Indians made a surprising decision with the starting rotation this week signing Gavin Floyd to a one-year deal, guaranteeing him a rotation spot, and pushing one Danny Salazar or T.J. House out of the rotation. The IBI's Tony Lastoria tries to make sense of it all and explains the rationale behind adding a veteran starter like Floyd to mix in with a rotation that has so much promise.

One of the hallmarks of Cleveland’s minor league system is it’s up-the-middle depth, a characteristic that was on full display Thursday. Whether it was Roberto Perez showing some pop, Ronny Rodriguez serving as a sparkplug off of the bench, or someone else, Cleveland’s up-the-middle depth looked good. Join Jim Piascik as he breaks it down and takes you across the globe as he takes you Around the Farm.

Happy Friday! In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andrew Zajac will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on the Athletics trading away another All-Star player, the Royals ink another starter, the Red Sox looking to trade Allen Craig, and more.

The AL Central has been one of the most predictable, uncompetitive divisions in the majors for years. There always seems to be a tight race at the top, as well as a legitimate contender who stands alone. Next season appears to be different. The AL Central as a whole has greatly improved in recent weeks, and with the conclusion of the Winter Meetings the gap between teams in the division appears to have shrunk. So with the offseason in full swing, how does each team stack up piece-by-piece? The IBI's Anthony Kaylor ranks the rotations...

Available IBI Books

The 2014 Cleveland Indians Baseball Insider book featuring the Indians' Top 100 Prospects and more is now available. Also, previous editions from 2008-2012 are also available at a discounted rate. Just click on the book image for more information. Thanks again for all the support!